Circular (extrachromosomal) DNA that fuels aggressive cancer and ways to target it
eDyNAmiC (extrachromosomal DNA in Cancer) - Understanding the biology of ecDNA generation and action, and developing new ways to target these mechanisms in cancer
This project looks at circular pieces of DNA in tumors that boost cancer genes and aims to develop treatments for people whose cancers carry those DNA circles.
Quick facts
| Grant type | NIH-funded research |
|---|---|
| Study type | NIH-funded research |
| Funding institution | Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research NIH-funded |
| Lab location | 1 site (New York, United States) |
| Project ID | NIH-11237220 on NIH RePORTER |
What this research studies
Many tumors carry extrachromosomal circular DNA (ecDNA) that can amplify cancer-causing genes and drive aggressive growth. The team will analyze patient tumor samples, use sequencing and imaging, and build lab models to see how ecDNA forms, moves, and changes gene activity. They will test approaches to block ecDNA-driven gene expression and to make these tumors more responsive to therapies. The work is centered at a major cancer center and focuses on translating lab discoveries into potential new treatment strategies.
Who could benefit from this research
Good fit: Ideal candidates are people with cancers known or suspected to carry ecDNA or patients willing to donate tumor tissue for research.
Not a fit: Patients whose tumors lack ecDNA or who need an immediate approved treatment option are unlikely to gain direct benefit from this research in the short term.
Why it matters
Potential benefit: If successful, this work could lead to therapies that specifically target ecDNA-driven cancers and improve outcomes for patients with those tumors.
How similar studies have performed: Recent studies have shown ecDNA is common and linked to poor outcomes, but efforts to directly target ecDNA are still new and largely unproven.
Where this research is happening
New York, United States
- Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research — New York, United States (Active)
Researchers
- Principal investigator: Ventura, Andrea — Sloan-Kettering Inst Can Research
- Study coordinator: Ventura, Andrea
About this research
- This is an active NIH-funded research project — typically early-stage science, not a clinical trial accepting patient enrollment.
- Some NIH-funded labs run parallel clinical studies or seek volunteers for related work. To check, contact the principal investigator or institution listed above.
- For full project details, budget, and progress reports, visit the official NIH RePORTER page below.